Chinese New Year Fair and Museum Centennial Celebrations Today

A Landmark Saturday in San Diego

San Diego is buzzing this Saturday, February 28, 2026, with a vibrant mix of cultural festivals, milestone celebrations, and the grand finale of a month-long regional arts event. From the heart of downtown to the historic reaches of Balboa Park, residents and visitors alike have a diverse array of activities to choose from today.

43rd Annual San Diego Chinese New Year Fair

Head to the downtown Gaslamp Quarter for the opening day of the 43rd Annual San Diego Chinese New Year Fair. Located at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and J Street, this free community festival celebrates the Year of the Horse. The fair runs throughout the day and offers a full schedule of traditional entertainment. You can expect to see:

• Energetic lion and dragon dances performing through the streets.
• Live cultural demonstrations, including kung fu and classical Chinese dance troupes.
• An expansive outdoor market featuring Asian street food, local vendors, and artisanal crafts.
• Family-friendly activities and educational booths designed for all ages.

San Diego Museum of Art Centennial Birthday Fest

The San Diego Museum of Art is celebrating its 100th anniversary today with a special Centennial Birthday Fest. To honor this historic milestone, the museum is providing free admission to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The festivities culminate in the late afternoon with "On the Steps at SDMA," a series of free outdoor performances on the museum’s iconic exterior steps starting at 4:45 p.m. Performers include local favorites like Peach Cooler and Gregory Page, offering a festive musical backdrop to the Balboa Park evening.

Final Day of San Diego Museum Month

Today marks the official conclusion of the 2026 San Diego Museum Month. This is the last opportunity for pass-holders to take advantage of 50-percent-off admission at more than 70 participating cultural institutions across the county. Local landmarks such as the USS Midway Museum, the Fleet Science Center, and the Birch Aquarium are participating. It is a perfect day to visit a high-profile museum or discover a smaller historic site at a significant discount.

Morning at the Little Italy Mercato

If you prefer an early start, the Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market is open today from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Spanning six blocks of West Date Street, it remains the largest weekly market in the county. Visitors can explore a European-style marketplace filled with farm-fresh produce, pastured eggs, local honey, and handcrafted artisan gifts at the beautiful Piazza della Famiglia.

Evening Theater Highlights

The local theater scene is particularly active this Saturday. At the Old Globe in Balboa Park, catch the world premiere of a new adaptation of "Hedda Gabler" starring Katie Holmes, with performances at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Downtown, the San Diego Civic Theatre is hosting the hit touring musical "Beetlejuice," which brings its unique brand of dark comedy and high-energy music to the stage for an 8:00 p.m. show.